How do you view generosity? I’ve worked with nonprofits for years. Each has a unique culture and way of treating donors. They also have different scales for measuring the value of donations. We each have a similar internal scale.
Some of us associate generosity with monetary gifts. Others value material gifts like cars, toys, furniture, or computers. Tangible gifts and money to pay for them are obvious contributions. But there are other signs of generosity that are often overlooked.
There’s the teacher that stays up late preparing individualized help for struggling students. There’s the mom that makes homemade treats that even the allergic in the class can have.
There’s the child who always throws trash in a bin, recycles cans, or picks up toys without being asked. There’s the grandmother who reads books to you and the grandfather who gives the best hugs. There’s the uncle who teaches you how to use a table saw or aunt who shows you how to do a back handspring.
These acts of generosity show care for others. They can also be given by someone who lacks monetary means or material possessions.
Other acts of generosity include teaching someone to cook, garden, or sew; tutoring an adult who cannot read; fostering a pet; organizing a party or dinner; hosting a holiday; and giving someone a ride. A neighbor hasn’t been able to drive for a couple of months. Another one is driving her to and fro. This is a generous gift of time.
Generosity of thoughtfulness is another often overlooked kindness. It’s one thing to give a generic obligatory gift. It’s another to listen carefully, observe closely, and choose an appropriate offering. The giver may not always get it right, but their investment in the attempt is still valuable.
Listening is a gift in and of itself – sometimes, the most important one. Beyond food, water, and shelter, listening can provide a sense of security, belonging, companionship, understanding, and love. Without those, material gifts are meaningless. Active listening is a valuable gift that we may fail to appreciate in the moment.
A culture focused on money as the measure of success and greatness can lose sight of the value of intangible things. When this happens, integrity, character, honesty, law abidance, and trustworthiness are more easily compromised. Anyone who pays close attention will see that money doesn’t buy internal peace, happiness, or contentment.
If you are generous with your time, energy, commitment, kindness, attention, and concern, but do not have the means to make monetary contributions, your efforts may seem unappreciated. This happens in families and organizations. It’s unfortunate.
It’s also easily remedied. Keep a watchful eye as you gather with friends, co-workers, colleagues, and family during the holidays. Then take a moment to acknowledge generosity that often goes overlooked. Let someone know you noticed their effort to prepare your favorite dessert, play your favorite Christmas music, or listen to you drone on about your grandkids. That’s all it takes.
It can feel uncomfortable for someone to notice the best of us. But isn’t that what we really desire – to be fully seen and appreciated as our best selves? Doesn’t allowing that recognition fill our hearts more than someone appreciating our holiday decorations?
Perhaps in the new year, we can all listen more, acknowledge and appreciate more, and grant more grace. So many of us are currently struggling. Being generous with our time, focus, energy, and kindness is something positive each of us can afford to contribute.
